MISS UNIVERSE PH CORONATION NIGHT ALL SET
DESPITE TWO CANDIDATES DOWN WITH C OVID -19
THE very first edition of Miss Universe Philippines, following its breakaway from Binibining g Pilipinas Charities, Inc., (BPCI) is all set to hold d its grand coronation on Sunday, October 25. This, despite - the many challenges the new organization has s had to face in its inaugural year. Naturally, the coronavirus pandemic is to blame for these extraordinary birth pains, bitterly rounded off with the withdrawal of two candidates who are now down with the virus.
With just a week to go, Miss Sorsogon Maria Isabela Galeria and Miss Cagayan de Oro Vincy Vacalares were forced to back out of the pageant.
On her Instagram account @mariaisabelagaleria, Sorsogon’s candidate related that her symptoms began manifesting on September 27. After following the 14-day quarantine and taking a “handful of medication,” Galeria finally tested negative. Nevertheless, she decided against returning the competition explaining that “even with [her] strong will to fight” her body has yet to fully recover from the virus.
“With a heavy heart, I believe now is not the right time to [re-] join the pageant. I still feel tired, and I don’t think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines,” she posted.
Cagayan de Oro’s Vacalares likewise took
to Instagram to announce her withdrawal, “With a heavy heart, allow me to break the news to all of you that I tested positive for Covid-19 last October 14. This means that I will not be able to continue with my journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year.”
As of this writing, Vacalares is confined and recuperating in a Manila hospital. Assuring her supporters she is in good hands, she further posted, “I sincerely apologize for what happened. Please be always on the lookout for your health and safety.”
All systems go
In a statement, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization — who now holds the local franchise of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant — acknowledged that while it is “unfortunate and heartbreaking” to see two of their candidates withdraw from the competition, they are grateful both are on the way to recovery and that the rest of the candidates remain healthy.
“We salute their bravery and courage as they go through this difficult time and rest assured, we will continue to provide all of the help and support they need. We strongly believe that this is not the end of their journey as they will soon emerge victorious to be able to pursue their dreams of becoming beauty queens,” read part of the statement.
Despite the setbacks, the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines is in full throttle over in Baguio City where the production has been filming preliminary interviews; and the national costume, swimsuit and evening gown
competitions. Tomorrow’s grand coronation is also green and go at the Baguio Country Club. “We remain committed to ensuring that we follow all of the protocols and guidelines set forth by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). We are grateful to the Baguio City government, especially to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, for all their assistance,” the statement said. “We have consistently coordinated with Baguio City officials to ensure that we follow their rigorous protocols in order to preserve its status as a Covid-free city.”
Where to watch
Meanwhile, fans had the week to send in their votes for the very first time to select the circle of winners in their books. This was done via the Fan Vote function made exclusively available on e-commerce platform, Lazada. The candidate who received the most votes as of October 22 automatically earns a spot in the Top 16.
While a live audience is not allowed during tomorrow’s production, fans can begin to watch the events that led up to the grand carnation via subscription at empire.ph., and enjoy the finale on free
TV over GMA-Network beginning 9 a.m.
Finally, ending the speculation that surfaced since the announcement of the pageant’s new franchise holder, it was confirmed that Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados will crown her successor after BPCI gave the go-signal to the last titlist under the foundation.
Ganados will also award the new Miss Universe Philippines with a new crown called “Filipina.” Designed by Villarica, the family behind the pawnshop chain of the same name, “Filipina” is made of diamond and yellow pearls; and of sapphire, ruby and topaz that represent the Filipino flag.